Eating Habits That Can Harm Teeth

Some eating habits can wreak havoc on your body and your teeth. For example, snacking throughout the day can increase the risk of tooth decay. Sipping soda and frequent nibbling on snack foods increase the rate of harmful acid attacks on tooth enamel. And repeated binge eating — impulsive gorging or continuous eating — can do the same.

The eating disorder bulimia nervosa not only harms overall health but also is particularly destructive to teeth. It involves secret repeated binge eating followed by purging — self-induced vomiting, fasting and use of laxatives, diuretics or diet pills.

Binge eaters consume a large amount of food very quickly. Although this temporarily may ease hunger, anger, sadness or other feelings, binge eating can create stomach pain and anxiety about weight gain.

The digestive system contains strong acids that break down food. When vomiting is used to purge food from the body, these acids attack tooth enamel. Repeated vomiting can erode tooth enamel severely. Over time, teeth exposed to stomach acids can become worn and translucent. The mouth, throat and salivary glands may become swollen and tender.

Anorexia nervosa is another serious eating disorder that is harmful to overall health and to teeth. It is characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, the desire to become thinner and an inability to maintain a minimally normal weight for height and age.

People who experience bulimia or anorexia do not receive adequate minerals, vitamins, proteins and other nutrients needed for good health. This type of "diet" takes a toll on the entire body, robbing it of the fuel it needs and causing potential injury to teeth, muscles and major organs.

To keep your smile healthy, limit snacks and eat nutritious, well-balanced meals made up of foods from the five major food groups.

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More articles about anorexia/bulimia

ANOREXIA/BULIMIA

Definition

Anorexia and bulimia are both eating disorders. People with anorexia have a fear of weight gain and a compromised view of their body size and shape. They can’t maintain a normal body weight and they go into semi-starvation, which deprives the body of the nutrients it needs. Someone with bulimia engages in a cycle of binge eating large amounts of food and then purging — vomiting, using laxatives, excessive exercising and fasting — several times a week.

Oral Health Effects Of ANOREXIA/BULIMIA

With anorexia, osteoporosis can develop, weakening the bones in the jaw that support the teeth, leading to tooth loss. With bulimia, the stomach acids in the vomit pass through the mouth and can erode tooth enamel, causing tooth erosion and sensitivity, discoloration and possible tooth loss.